7s veteran Afrika retires
VETERAN CECIL AFRIKA RETIRES
Johannnesburg: South African star Cecil Afrika is retiring from international Sevens but the veteran is still holding onto hope of going to a second Olympics.
Afrika’s contract with the Blitzboks ends after the current season and he had agreed with coach Neil Powell before this year that it would be his final contract with the team.
The 32-year-old made his Sevens debut in 2009, playing 66 World Series tournaments including two overall World Series titles.
Powell said on Monday night that it would be difficult to say goodbye to one of the biggest names in Sevens.
“It is one of those inevitable things in professional sport, but even so, it remains a sad day to say goodbye to Cecil when his contract expires,” he said.
“He has been a great in the game, his achievements speak for itself and he inspired many to enjoy the game of sevens.
“Cecil has set very high standards for those to follow and there is no doubt that he will leave the jersey in a better place, something every international rugby player strives for.”
Powell said the pair had already agreed this would be his final season before the coronavirus pandemic forced the Olympics to be postponed.